Russia Set to Block VPN Services Starting March 2024

Russia’s communications watchdog, Roskomnadzor, is set to implement a ban on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) starting from March 1, 2024. 

This move was announced by Senator Artem Sheikin from the United Russia party, citing the necessity to restrict access to sites banned within Russia. The decision to block VPN services comes as a response to the increased demand for these services since Russia imposed restrictions on Western social media platforms following the Ukrainian crisis in February 2022.

Sheikin emphasized the importance of blocking VPN access to Meta Platforms, the company that owns Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, which he referred to as an extremist organization. He noted that the ban would extend to VPN services that enable access to Instagram, one of the social media platforms banned in Russia.

Flashback: Russia Bans Major Media Sites Including Facebook, Twitter (March, 2022)

Efforts to obtain comments from Roskomnadzor regarding this development were met with a recorded message playing the song “Don’t Worry Be Happy.” 

Related: EU Designates X As A Leading Disinformation Source

This move to restrict VPNs represents a broader trend of tightening internet controls and censorship in Russia, as the government seeks to exert greater control over online information flow.


Information for this story was found via Reuters, X, and the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Leave a Reply

Video Articles

Endeavour Mining Q1 Earnings: Cash Flow Is King

G Mining Oko West Feasibility: Move Fast, Break.. Nothing?

New Gold Q1 Earnings: What’s Behind The Market’s Surprising Reaction?

Recommended

Giant Mining Encounters Native Copper As Hole MHB-34 Hits 563 Metres Depth

Verses Hits Commercialization Stage With Genius AI Platform

Related News

‘Fake’ Putin Declares Martial Law, Full-Scale Mobilization In Russia

An emergency announcement purportedly made by Russian President Vladimir Putin and broadcasted on several radio...

Tuesday, June 6, 2023, 04:27:00 PM

Europe’s Energy Crisis: Germans May Face Winter Catastrophe if they Don’t Drastically Cut Gas Usage

Germany is bracing for a cold, hard winter ahead. The country may have to resort...

Monday, November 28, 2022, 03:07:00 PM

Zuckerberg Boasts Threads Had 5 Million Downloads In The First 4 Hours… We’re One Of Them And Here’s What We Think

In a bid to attract users dissatisfied with recent changes made by owner Elon Musk,...

Thursday, July 6, 2023, 10:14:22 AM

IMF: Western Sanctions Against Russia Threaten to Weaken US Dollar

As the White House proudly pats itself on the back as its sanction list against...

Friday, April 1, 2022, 03:01:00 PM

Russia Halts Westbound Gas Supplies Via Yamal-Europe Pipeline

Russia halted natural gas supplies to Germany via the Yamal-Europe pipeline last week, despite both...

Sunday, March 6, 2022, 03:02:58 PM